Red Bank Green

Serving Red Bank and Greater Red Bank, NJ

As the 23rd Secretary of the United States Air Force, Deborah Lee James is the USAF’s highest-ranking civilian and only the second female in history to hold the position. She is also a proud graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Class of 1976.

James, who was sworn in by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon on January 24, is responsible for the organization, training and welfare of more than 690,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Air Force personnel and their families. She is also in charge of equipment, and oversees the more than $100 billion budget of the USAF.

During her high school years, James was active in a number of school activities. She worked on the student newspaper, participated in the drill team and enjoyed being a member of the Forensics and American Field Service clubs. She was Valedictorian of her class, and the recipient of the Mary Owen Borden Foundation Scholarship.

After graduating from RFH, James earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Comparative Area Studies from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs in New York.

She has 30 years of senior homeland and national security experience in the federal government and in the private sector, and served as an assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs during the Clinton Administration from 1993 to 1998. More recently, James served as President of Science Applications International Corporation’s (SAIC) Technical and Engineering Sector, where she was responsible for 8,700 employees and more than $2 billion in revenue.

According to the New York Times, as Air Force Secretary, James made a powerful impact just weeks into her assignment, when she launched an investigation into a report of cheating on exams by 34 Air Force officers with the authority to launch intercontinental ballistic nuclear missiles. The exams had been designed to measure whether or not the officers were aware of procedures for launching the weapons.

After ensuring the system had sufficient safety measures in place, she flew to three bases and spoke with the missile launch officers — after asking their commanding officers to leave the room — to receive their unfiltered feedback.

At a subsequent Pentagon news conference, she revealed her concern over the fact that military commanders were not only insisting on perfect exam test scores of 100 percent, but also for using the scores as the sole basis for promoting missile launch officers (known as missileers).

Since then, James has been praised not only for her openness but also for tackling a problematic issue head-on. She also successfully turned the focus of the scandal from being about the fear of nuclear mishaps — which the Air Force says is unfounded — to concern about the welfare of the Airmen.

“I have three priorities as Secretary of the Air Force,” James said. “taking care of people, balancing the needs of today’s readiness with our modernization needs of tomorrow, and making sure that every dollar we spend is a dollar well-spent.”

“These priorities will guide us to provide the American people a smaller, but more capable and ready Air Force, which I’m convinced has an extremely bright future. The nation has a go-to force, and that go-to force is the United States Air Force.”

James’ mom Regina Roche still resides in the home where she raised her family in Rumson — and her sister, 1965 RFH graduate Regina Roche, describes herself as “my sister’s biggest fan and cheerleader” and influenced James’ desire to explore the world.

“My mom and sister always taught me I could be anyone and do anything if I set my mind to it,” James said, adding that “Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School was a great place to start…I still visit Rumson regularly and remember the great teachers from high school.”

03.31 - Chef Diane Henderiks at JBJ Soul Kitchen The celeb chef and culinary nutritionist visits Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant for a 'Spring into Healthier Cooking Party' during which she 'she shares her expertise, tips and secrets of how to cook healthy without sacrificing flavor,' using ' dressings, marinades, herb blends, salsas and spice rubs that add explosive flavor without drenching them in fat, salt or sugar.' Seating limited to 30, and it's BYOB, with a portion of proceeds dedicated to JBJ Soul Kitchen. Click for link to register.

03.31 - Shrewsbury Chorale Open Rehearsals The United Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft is the setting as The Shrewsbury Chorale invites prospective participants to join in a free and open practice session, with scores provided. All singers high school age and older, call Joy More at 732.216.3907 for info on auditioning, or click for phone and web links to more info.

03.31 - Artist Haneui Kim: THE DIALOGUE As part of the NJ Emerging Artists series, The Monmouth Museum hosts a an exhibit of works by the illustrator and designer based in Palisades Park. Exhibit continues during normal museum hours through April 19; check website for admission info.

03.31 - International Folk Dancing Come learn dances from around the world in a relaxed, informal setting, at Red Bank's United Methodist Church. Beginners welcome; no partners needed; click for phone link to more info.

04.01 - Navesink River Rangers Rowing Program REGISTER NOW for July and August. The folks at NRR invite kids ages 10 to 14 to learn boating and teamwork skills, gain new friends, and obtain an understanding of the local maritime environment and wildlife — all while paddling brightly decorated wooden canoes for five days from Rumson to Red Bank on the Navesink and Swimming Rivers and Shadow Lake. Each 5 day program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, beginning July 6 through August 14. Click for web link to register, and for phone or email links to more info.

04.01 - Open Shoot Archery at Thompson Park The homebase of the Monmouth County Parks System invites ages 8 and up (under 18 with adult) to try your hand at open shoot archery, with all equipment provided (no outside equipment permitted). Cash or check only; limited instruction provided to beginners.

04.01 - Noble Writers at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free weekly Wednesday morning meeting of the writing group for women, with all welcome to join and no registration required. A Writing Critiquing Group also meets every Wednesday evening at the library, 7 pm.

04.01 - Spring Activities of the Indians of Middletown Middletown Township Public Library hosts former NJ State Museum researcher Jim Wade, in a free presentation on the Indian way of life during the spring season. Emphasis will focus on the activities of community fish gathering, hunting and village life, with a short slide presentation and actual New Jersey Indian stone artifacts from Central NJ will be on display.

04.01 - Spring Film Series: RADIO PRIEST The Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education at Brookdale Community College hosts a screening of a documentary feature on the 1920s Catholic priest Father Coughlin and his extremist broadcasts in the early days of mass media. Click for phone or email link to additional info.

04.01 - The Play's the Thing, at Two River Two River Theater Company artistic director John Dias welcomes five playwrights to a special onstage panel discussion — including Tony winner Ruben Santiago Hudson (the upcoming YOUR BLUES AIN'T SWEET LIKE MINE), Tony Meneses (the recent GUADALUPE IN THE GUEST ROOM), Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz (this May's BE MORE CHILL) and Madeleine George (TRTC's past SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS). Click for phone or web link to RSVP.

04.01 - Tween Tech Time: Stock Market Game Middletown Township Public Library invites ages 9 to 12 to 'learn about the Stock Market and play with $$100,000 of fake money in this fun investing game.' Register online or click for phone link to sign up.

04.02 - Tween Storytime at MTPL In honor of National Library Week, Middletown Township Public Library invites tweens to 'bring your favorite picture book from when you were little and share it with the group.' Register online or click for phone link to sign up.

04.02 - Comedy Night Live at The Dub Chris Covert of Jersey Jokers presents the latest in a regular series of standup comedy Open Mics, in which some of the region's future stars (and ha ha hopefuls) are showcased upstairs at the Dublin House.

04.02 - Live at Lunch: Players Club Steppers Brookdale Community College Student Life and Activities hosts the championship touring step dance troupe (seen on SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO and AMERICA'S GOT TALENT), in a lunchtime pitstop to the Warner Student Life Center on the Lincroft campus.

04.02 - Microsoft Word Discussion Group at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts an introductory class on this entry—level desktop publishing application and create newsletters, brochures, cards, and more. Control page layout and design, and publish your own works.

04.02 - The Very Best of Celtic Thunder The singers and musicians of the Celtic Thunder Tour draw from the best loved highlights of their TV specials and recordings — from 'Danny Boy' to 'Seven Drunken Nights' — in a powerhouse stage production accented by spectacular lighting, choreography and set design.

04.02 - Knitting Club for Teens and Tweens at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites tweens to 'bring your knitting, crochet, or loom and socialize while you create. Bring your own supplies. We will teach you if you don’t know how to knit or crochet.' Register online or click for phone link to sign up.

04.03 - Dancing with Dennis Scholarship Fundraiser RESERVE NOW for May 16. The VFW Post 2179 (just off Route 36 in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown) is the venue as the Middletown Reformed Church presents its annual Youth Group Scholarship Fund benefit event in memory of church member Lieutenant Dennis W. Zilinski II. Featured are buffet dinner and cash bar; click for phone or email link to RSVP and for additional information.

04.03 - The Next Chapter Book Club at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library invites teens and young adults with developmental disabilities to take part in a new Friday afternoon book group. We read short stories aloud, discuss and share. Click for email link to sign up.

04.03 - First Annual Red Bank Mayor's Charity Ball RESERVE NOW for May 1. The Oyster Point Hotel is the setting, as Mayor Pat Menna welcomes three of his Borough Hall predecessors AND the public, for an event dedicated to the Red Bank Public Library and the Parker Family Health Center. A variety of borough based businesses, individuals and nonprofit organizations will also be honored in a special award ceremony. Click for link to reserve tickets.

04.03 - Law Enforcement Career Fair at BCC Representatives from the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, multiple state police departments, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s offices, and local municipal police departments will be present as Brookdale Community College hosts the third annual Career Fair and tribute to first responders at the Student Life Center. Park in lots 6 or 7; click for phone or email link to more info.

04.04 - Drop—in Surprise Storytime at Deep Cut Gardens Join us for a free reading from a nature— or garden—related book at Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown. If the weather is nice, look for the clue at our entrance that leads to the secret spot in the gardens. If it’s rainy or cold, we’ll be inside the Horticultural Center.

04.04 - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Live On Stage RESCHEDULED from January 27. From his early days to his fateful final concert in 1959, the brief and brilliant career of Buddy Holly is conjured in concert form with his best loved songs (and additional salutes to Richie Valens and The Big Bopper).

04.04 - Art Alliance opening reception The Art Alliance of Monmouth County hosts an opening reception (6 to 8 pm) for the new group exhibitions 'Contrasts' and 'Personalities' — with the work of Gerda Liebmann and judge Michael Burris Johnson also featured in the gallery and windows. Refreshments served; exhibit continues through April 25 during regular gallery hours, Tuesday thru Saturday, from 12 to 4 pm.

04.04 - Job & Career Accelerator at MTPL Middletown Township Public Library hosts a free workshop on how to write cover letters and resumes, explore careers and find jobs, expand your computer skills, learn the essentials of successful interviewing, and much more.